Page 9 of No Capes
My dad and I watched Phil’s event on TV. A breaking news update interrupted it, showing the car crash, and the police knocked on our door just seconds later.
My phone buzzes in my jacket pocket, jolting me back to the present. The screen shows a message from Fox, who never texts me anymore.
Have u done the calc hw?
It’s funny how Fox can still be annoying without being near me.
Yeah. Why?
A minute later, he responds.Ur the only one who got an assignment sheet. We all forgot. Can you send a pic?
Ah. Fox had asked everyone in our class before he’d asked me. That makes more sense.
Not home right now, can when I get back.I press send and shove my cell phone back inside my windbreaker.
The stars twinkle in bright white and pale yellow, and a sudden shadow stretches over the woodchips. Steady breathing advances from behind me.
I never did buy that pepper spray.
“Have another $200 for me, Roberts?” A hazy figure takes the swing next to mine, which creaks when he sits.
He wears the same outfit as before: a darker-than-black spandex suit, obsidian mask, lengthy gloves, and boots that blend into every shadow. The electricity that danced around him yesterday seems to have vanished or is dormant. I stop swinging, but don’t get up. His blue construction paper note is in my pocket, burning through my leggings.
“You’re following me.” I say.
He settles into his seat, evidently pleased with himself. He knows I can’t run or scream or hide. “Guilty as charged. Behold, the D.S. 6000.” He extends his arm, exposing a wristwatch that has a map of Capital City and blinking red dots. He taps one.“This is you. Maddy, you have no idea how long I was waiting for you to come outside. I’ve waited practically the whole day to talk to you.”
“It’s Madeline.”
“Right. My bad. Anyhoo, I’m glad you’re here, but it’s dangerous to be out after sunset these days, especially alone. You never know who might lurk just out of sight.”
“Good thing I’m not alone.”
He bends his whole body toward me, every movement as agile as a falcon’s, though his swing’s squeak detracts from his stealth factor.
While he’s admitted to stalking and given me a cryptic warning, I don’t get the sense that he plans to hurt me. Although having a Super track me doesn’t exactly instill safety either.
“How did you put that note in my locker?” I ask.
He claps his gloved hands together, excited. “I didn’t think that would be yourfirstquestion, but I can see why you’d wonder.”
Wait.I put it together.No.“Do you go to my school?”
“You would be so lucky.”
“You’re my age.” I study him. The skin around his mouth is tight, and he’s tall, but not as filled out as Golden Ace.
“Maybe. Maybe not. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. After yesterday. You’re welcome, again.”
“I didn’t say thank you.”
“You aresoright. Whereareyour manners?”
I swing again. The night doesn’t feel cold anymore. “Answer my questions, and maybe I will.”
“Now this sounds fun.” The coating over his eyes makes them glow like a cat playing in the night.
“What’s your name?”
